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Timing of praying mantis evasive responses during simulated bat attack sequences
Jeffrey D Triblehorn1, David D Yager
1Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. biojdt@langate.gsu.edu
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|May 10, 2005
Summary
Praying mantids use bat echolocation patterns to time evasive dives. A gradual increase in pulse repetition rates (PRRs) allows mantids to escape, while rapid increases may bypass their auditory defense.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Bioacoustics
- Predator-Prey Interactions
Background:
- Praying mantids exhibit evasive behaviors influenced by bat predator threat levels.
- Bat echolocation patterns may provide critical cues for mantid response timing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the timing of mantid evasive maneuvers within simulated bat attack sequences.
- To identify key parameters in bat echolocation that trigger mantid escape responses.
Main Methods:
- Simulated bat attack echolocation sequences using pulse trains.
- Analysis of mantid evasive power dive timing relative to echolocation sequence transitions.
- Prediction modeling of echolocation parameters eliciting mantid responses.
Main Results:
- Mantid evasive responses occurred earlier in attack sequences with gradual increases in pulse repetition rates (PRRs).
- Responses were consistently triggered when PRRs reached 20-40 pulses s(-1), regardless of transition speed.
- Rapid PRR increases in bat echolocation may circumvent mantid auditory defenses.
Conclusions:
- Gradual increases in bat echolocation PRR can alert mantids, facilitating escape.
- Rapid PRR shifts may represent an advantage for bats in capturing prey.
- Insects may benefit from secondary defense mechanisms against bats employing rapid echolocation changes.